Kandyan day gecko
The Kandyan day gecko (Cnemaspis kandiana) is a diurnal gecko species native to Sri Lanka. It is characterized by its elongated head, obtusely pointed snout, and slender body and limbs. Distinctive features include keeled granules on its body and limbs, spine-like tubercles along its flanks, and preanal and femoral pores in males.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Sri Lanka, specifically in the mountains of Kandy.
- ›Diurnal gecko, meaning it is active during the day.
- ›Possesses an elongated head with an obtusely pointed snout.
- ›Body and limbs are slender, with hind limbs reaching the axilla or shoulder.
- ›Males have preanal and femoral pores.
- ›Coloration is brown with darker and lighter variegations, often forming transverse markings.
Kandyan Rock Gecko
Sri Lanka
- Elongated Head With An Obtusely Pointed Snout, Longer Than the Distance Between the Eye and Ear Opening.
- Slender Body and Limbs; Hind Limbs Reach the Axilla Or Shoulder.
- Digits Are Slender With Enlarged Plates Beneath.
- Snout Covered With Suboval Keeled Granules; Head Minutely Granulate.
- Rostral Scale Is Twice As Broad As Deep, With Median Emargination and Cleft Above.
- Nostrils Pierced Between the Rostral and Three Or Four Nasals.
- Seven Or Eight Upper and As Many Lower Labials.
- Large, Triangular Mental Scale With A Truncated Posterior Angle.
- Numerous Small Chin-Shields and Feebly Keeled Gular Granules.
- Upper Body Covered With Small, More Or Less Distinctly Keeled Granules and Irregularly Scattered, Small, Keeled Tubercles.
- Flanks Have Small, Widely Separated, Spine-Like Tubercles.
- Scales On Limbs Are Keeled.
- Ventral Scales Are Cycloid and Imbricated; Those Under the Neck Are Keeled, Others Smooth .
- Males Have Three Or Four Preanal Pores and Three To Five Femoral Pores On Each Side.
- Tail Is Cylindrical, Tapering, With Very Small Keeled Scales and Annuli of Spine-Like Tubercles Above, and Larger Scales Beneath Without Transversely Dilated Median Plates.
- Coloration Is Brown Above, Variegated With Darker and Lighter, Often Forming Transverse Markings On the Back and Tail; Sometimes A Light Vertebral Band Is Present.
- Spine-Like Tubercles On the Flanks Are White.
- Lower Surfaces Are Light Brown Or Dirty White; Throat Sometimes Blackish.
- Snout To Vent Length: 1.4 Inches .
- Tail Length: 1.5 Inches .
Diurnal
About Kandyan day gecko
The Kandyan day gecko, scientifically known as Cnemaspis kandiana, is a species of diurnal gecko native to Sri Lanka. This lizard is characterized by its distinct physical features, including an elongated head with an obtusely pointed snout and slender limbs. Its body and limbs are covered in small, often keeled granules, interspersed with spine-like tubercles along the flanks, which are white. The coloration is typically brown, marked with darker and lighter variegations that can form transverse patterns on the back and tail, while the underside is light brown or off-white.
Description and Size
Adult Kandyan day geckos measure approximately 3.6 cm (1.4 inches) from snout to vent, with a tail length of about 3.8 cm (1.5 inches). Males exhibit sexual dimorphism with the presence of preanal and femoral pores, which are used in reproduction. The scales beneath the neck are keeled, while other ventral scales are smooth, though variations exist. The tail is cylindrical and tapers towards the end, adorned with small keeled scales and rings of spine-like tubercles.
Habitat and Behavior
The species is found in the mountainous regions of Kandy, Sri Lanka. As a diurnal gecko, it is active during daylight hours. Specific details regarding its diet, reproductive methods, lifespan, and conservation status are not extensively documented in the provided information.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Kandyan day gecko?
The scientific name of the Kandyan day gecko is Cnemaspis kandiana. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify the species within the scientific community.
Where is the Kandyan day gecko found?
The Kandyan day gecko is naturally found in Sri Lanka. Its type locality is specifically noted as the mountains of Kandy.
What are the physical characteristics of the Kandyan day gecko?
It has an elongated head with a pointed snout, slender body and limbs, and small, oval ear openings. Its body is covered in keeled granules and interspersed with spine-like tubercles, particularly on the flanks. The tail is cylindrical and tapers, with small keeled scales and annuli of tubercles.
What is the typical coloration of the Kandyan day gecko?
The Kandyan day gecko is typically brown above, with darker and lighter variegations that often form transverse markings on the back and tail. The spine-like tubercles on its flanks are white, and its underside is light brown or dirty white.
What is the size of the Kandyan day gecko?
The Kandyan day gecko measures approximately 1.4 inches (36 mm) from snout to vent, with its tail measuring around 1.5 inches (38 mm).
Are there any distinguishing features in male Kandyan day geckos?
Yes, male Kandyan day geckos possess preanal pores, typically numbering three or four, and also have femoral pores on each side, with three to five present.
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